Best Easy Insalata di Mare Recipe

Mixed seafood salad with lemon and olive oil is the definitive mediterranean appetizer. This high protein dish is a fresh, healthy family starter ideal for a weight loss or calorie deficit plan.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 170 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean #low carb #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • shrimp (peeled, deveined) 8 oz
  • calamari rings 6 oz
  • scallops 6 oz
  • mussels (cleaned) 8 oz
  • celery (thinly sliced) 0.5 cup
  • cherry tomatoes (halved) 0.5 cup
  • fresh parsley (chopped) 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp
  • lemon (juiced) 2 tbsp
  • garlic (minced) 1 clove
  • sea salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 5 g 12%
Protein 24 g 56%
Fat 5 g 32%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just opaque, then immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to halt cooking.

  2. 2

    Add calamari rings and scallops to the pot. Simmer gently for 2 minutes; quickly transfer them to the ice bath with the shrimp to preserve a tender texture.

  3. 3

    Steam the cleaned mussels in a covered pan with a splash of water just until they open, about 4–5 minutes on medium heat. Discard any unopened mussels and let cool.

  4. 4

    Drain all seafood thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to prevent watering down the salad.

  5. 5

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled seafood, celery, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley. In a separate small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

  6. 6

    Pour dressing over the seafood mixture and toss gently until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

  7. 7

    Before serving, toss the salad once more and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Insalata di Mare recipe?
The core ingredients in this Insalata di Mare are the mixed seafood—shrimp, calamari, scallops, and mussels—which provide the signature briny flavor and satisfying texture that define this classic Mediterranean salad. The harmony of these fresh seafoods is essential for the dish’s authenticity.
Q. How do you avoid overcooking the seafood in this recipe?
To prevent overcooking, cook the shrimp, calamari, and scallops briefly in gently simmering water, transferring each to an ice bath right after cooking. This technique quickly stops the cooking process, ensuring the seafood remains tender and maintains its delicate texture.
Q. What dressing brings out the best flavor in this salad?
The dressing—a blend of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper—highlights the seafood’s freshness. The acidity from lemon balances the olive oil’s richness, while garlic and parsley contribute aromatic depth.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?
Each 180g serving contains about 170 kcal, offering 24g of protein, 5g of carbohydrates, and 5g of fat. This results in a high protein, low carb profile, with protein contributing 56% of total calories—great for those monitoring macronutrients.
Q. How can I keep the salad from becoming watery?
To ensure the salad isn’t watery, thoroughly drain and pat dry all seafood after cooling. This step, along with using crisp celery and well-drained mussels, keeps the salad fresh and avoids diluting the zesty dressing.
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